Published: August 06, 2006 12:38 am            

Near-record numbers participate in Neches Wilderness Canoe Race

Canoeists from all over Texas settled in to face the low waters of the Neches River at the 17th Annual Neches Wilderness Canoe Race Saturday.

Hosted by the East Texas River Runners, the race first began in the 1980s as a fund-raiser for the Phi Theta Kappa club at Trinity Valley Community College’s Palestine Campus.

“We’re really excited about the progress this race has made,” said Candy Dillon, secretary/treasurer of the River Runners.

Sixty boats competed this year, two less than last year’s record.

“We were expecting more than 150 amateur and professional canoers to participate this year,” said Ed Furman, president of the River Runners. “I think the turnout was excellent.”

The 22-mile race has a reputation of being the “toughest little race in Texas.”

It proved true for many of its challengers this weekend.

“The water was lower than it’s been the past few years,” Dillon said. “It created a lot more obstacles for our canoers.”

This year, Richard Steppe of Dallas finished the race before anyone, with a time of three hours, 27 minutes. Steppe competed in the solo unlimited division.

“I feel really good about my performance today,” Steppe said. “It was very hard, but that’s the way it is supposed to be.”

Steppe has been competing in this race for over eight years, but did not participate last year.

Steppe also has taken part in many canoe races outside of Texas, including the Ausable Marathon in Michigan, the General Clinton in New York, and the Classique in Canada.

He is a member of the Texas Canoe Race Association as well.

“I was excited about this race because it’s a lot closer to home,” Steppe said. “I was really impressed with all of the volunteer support.”

Each year, a number of volunteer organizations helps out with the river race. The organizations that helped out this weekend include the Elmwood and Neches volunteer fire departments, the National Guard, Anderson County Amateur Radio Association, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Reserves, Neches Independent School District officials and the Palestine Regional Medical Center emergency medical technicians.

“I think they really bring the local support with them,” Dillon said. “It really makes you feel safe with all of these people around you.”

Ken Startz of Victoria finished second with a time of 3:47:16. Steve Watson came in 22 seconds behind that.

This was Startz’s first taste of the Neches Wilderness Canoe Race.

“This was a shocker for me,” Startz said. “I really didn’t know what to expect going into it. It’s a real challenge trying to get a 20-foot boat around those corners.”

Startz also had a 14-year-old son who participated in the race with him.

While this was his first competition on the Neches River, Startz is no stranger to canoe racing.

He has competed in four water safaris, which are brutal stretches over a span of 260 miles, and must be completed within 100 hours.

“I’m just really happy with the way this race turned out, from the number of participants to the number of volunteers and sponsors,” Dillon said.

Sponsors for this year’s race include Express Inn and Suites, the Law Office of Danny Dean, Pumping Services of Oakwood, Harry’s Building Materials, East Texas National Bank, David Barnard Insurance, Gaines Garage, Cox Automotive, Elkhart Golf Club, Texas Erectors, Regions Bank, First State Bank of Frankston, Jerry Jones Surveyor and Depend-A-Can.

First through third place in each division will receive a gold, silver or bronze medal according to finish. All participants will receive a race T-shirt.

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Sally Sexton may be contacted via e-mail at sports2@palestineherald.com

        

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